Columbia Water Department Addresses Main Break Issues

News Summary

Columbia Water Department is tackling recent water main challenges, including multiple breaks and communication issues. After repairs on Garners Ferry Road, another break has led to a boil water advisory on Broad River Road, prompting community concerns. Efforts are underway to enhance communication regarding service interruptions to keep residents informed.

Columbia Water Department Tackles Water Main Challenges and Communication Hiccups

In the bustling City of Columbia, residents are currently navigating some unwelcome water issues. Yes, you guessed it – we’re talking about water main breaks that have recently popped up, causing both repairs and a bit of confusion among citizens. Let’s dive into what’s happening.

Garners Ferry Road Incident

First up, the Water Department has successfully wrapped up repairs on a water main break located in the 6300 block of Garners Ferry Road. The good news is that water service has been fully restored to this area! However, be prepared for some traffic headaches if you’re heading that way anytime soon. As crews finish up, lane restrictions are in place, which means some parts of Garners Ferry are operating on reduced lanes. Inbound traffic sees just one lane open between Cedar Terrace and Brandon Avenue, while outbound is limited to two lanes between Old Woodlands Road and Brandon Avenue. And heads up – these restrictions could stick around into next week.

An Update on Broad River Road

But wait, there’s more! An eight-inch water main break has also appeared on Broad River Road, particularly affecting homes and businesses around the 4300 block. To ensure folks stay safe, a boil water advisory has been rolled out for those on Geology Road, which intersects Broad River about a mile north of the first incident. If you’ve noticed some funky water at home, be sure to reach out to Columbia Water Customer Service at 803-545-3300 for some support.

A Look Back: Earlewood Neighborhood

This isn’t the first time Columbia has dealt with water woes. Just a couple of weeks ago, on January 14, a significant 16-inch water main break in Earlewood led to alarming reports of brown, discolored water. Thankfully, Columbia Water determined that the repair did not compromise the overall integrity of the water system, allowing residents to breathe a sigh of relief without a boil water advisory needing to be issued.

Communication Concerns

However, not all is calm in the waters of Columbia. The community has expressed some serious concerns regarding the communication surrounding these incidents. Following the Earlewood issue, around 40 complaints regarding discolored water were received, which is a significant uptick from the typical monthly average of 128 complaints. Many frustrated residents are voicing their wishes for better communication from Columbia Water about these service disruptions.

Understanding Discoloration

So what’s causing this discolored water? Experts point to something called tuberculation, where iron corrosion coupled with sediment being stirred up in older pipes causes that unsettling brown hue. Not ideal, right?

Steps Toward Better Communication

In response to these challenges, Columbia Water has been making some changes. They’re putting in new communication protocols aimed at improving how they inform residents about service interruptions. Going forward, affected customers will now be notified through Nixle alerts and via social media for any service interruptions that don’t require a boil water advisory. This move could help to smooth out some of the bumps that have been felt recently.

A Forward Look

Columbia Water is now actively working on enhancing customer communication and notification systems. Residents are hopeful to see a tangible improvement in how information is shared, bringing peace of mind during unexpected water service issues. Be sure to stay tuned and keep your contact information updated with Columbia Water to receive the latest updates!

With the water issues being addressed, let’s hope for a smooth sailing experience ahead for all Columbia residents! Stay hydrated and informed out there!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Water Main Breaks Close Portion of Garners Ferry Road
• ABC Columbia: Water Service in Sparkman Drive Area Temporarily Interrupted
• WIS TV: Columbia Water Change Communication Policies
• Wikipedia: Water Main
• The State: Water Main Break Updates
• Google Search: Water Main Break Columbia